On January 24, 2002 the Center conducted a prescribed burn to reduce fuel loads around our structures. The fire burned 2/10 of an acre between our Aviary boardwalk and the Pine Loop Trail. As weather conditions permit we will continue burning areas to create a buffer to defend against wildfires. 

Click to enlarge the photos

Resource Naturalist Laura Wewerka igniting the fire with a drip torch.

Pine flatwood communities contain plants well suited to surviving fire. Slash pine trees have branches high above the ground to prevent fire from reaching their crown, and tough thick bark to protect the tree from heat.

Saw palmetto have root structures designed to survive fire and quickly send up new growth after a fire.

Smoke is an issue for all of our burns. The Center is located in a smoke sensitive area due to the proximity of I-75 and Eastwood Golf Course. We can only conduct burns if we have a south or southeast wind.